Serving Edmonton for over 120 years
If you’re noticing damage to your trees and turf, it might be time to consider Birch Fumigators for vole removal. Voles are small rodents that can cause big problems, including chewing on trees, digging tunnels, and damaging stored food. Not only are they a nuisance, but they can also spread diseases to humans and other animals. Birch Fumigators provides vole pest control services. We can help get rid of voles quickly and efficiently, so you can enjoy your lawn and garden again. Our team of professionals has years of experience with vole control, so you can rest assured that your property is in good hands. Contact us today to learn more about our vole pest control services.
est. 1900
est. 1900
Dealing with vole populations in your yard can be challenging. These small rodents, often called meadow mice, are known for creating extensive vole burrows and runways under the snow cover, becoming more visible as the snow melts. The key to vole control lies in understanding their behaviour and habitat. Voles multiply rapidly and prefer dense ground cover, which provides protection from natural predators like owls, hawks, and foxes. As burrowing rodents, they can cause major damage to garden areas and lawns by eating roots and gnawing on the lower trunk of woody ornamental plants, which is why it’s crucial to implement effective pest control methods to manage their numbers.
To protect young trees and garden plants, homeowners are encouraged to remove dense ground cover and employ safe and effective methods such as habitat modification. Removing fallen fruit and keeping the lawn mowed helps eliminate food sources that attract voles. Repelling voles can be accomplished with natural repellents like castor oil, which can be applied around vole runways and the garden perimeter to discourage their activity. Additionally, introducing physical barriers such as wire mesh around tree guards can protect bulbs and prevent voles from burrowing underneath and causing severe damage.
Encouraging natural predators by creating a hospitable environment for them can be part of an integrated pest management approach. Live traps set near vole holes and baited with peanut butter can also be a humane method to control vole populations. Regularly inspecting the garden for telltale signs of vole activity, such as small holes and closely resembling mice, can help in early detection and control.
Coffee grounds are commonly referred to as a natural vole repellent and can be spread around the garden to help deter voles. Furthermore, planting species that voles find distasteful can discourage voles from feasting on your plants. In instances where DIY methods fail, consulting a professional pest control service may be necessary to manage a significant vole infestation effectively.
During winter, when snow cover provides a hiding place for voles, they can wreak havoc on grass and plants, highlighting the importance of controlling voles before they cause more damage. As the lawn is a prime area for vole activity, keeping grass short and removing leaf piles can push voles to move elsewhere.
Remember, the goal is to create a balance where you protect your garden and lawn while controlling vole populations through safe and effective methods. When natural methods and habitat modification aren’t enough, traps, and possibly professional pest management, may be the next step to take.
Naturally deterring voles from your property can be accomplished through several non-toxic and eco-friendly methods. Here are some natural vole deterrents:
Using a combination of these natural deterrents can help reduce vole activity on your property and protect your garden and lawn without resorting to toxic chemicals.
Vole traps are essential tools for effectively removing voles from your property. There are two primary types of vole traps: snap traps and live traps. The choice of trap depends on your preference and specific circumstances.
Snap Traps:
Snap traps are designed to capture and kill voles quickly and humanely. These traps are similar to mousetraps but larger and more robust. When a vole attempts to pass through the trap, it triggers a spring mechanism that kills the vole instantly.
Snap traps are effective for reducing vole populations in gardens and lawns. Place them along vole runways or near burrow entrances, and use vole-friendly bait like peanut butter or apple slices. Regularly check and reset snap traps to maintain their effectiveness.
Live Traps:
Live traps are a humane option for capturing voles without causing harm. These traps consist of small cages or boxes with one-way entry systems. When a vole enters the trap to access bait, it cannot exit, allowing you to release the vole unharmed in a location away from your property.
Live traps are a good choice if you prefer to capture and relocate voles rather than eliminate them. Make sure to check live traps frequently to ensure captured voles are promptly released to avoid stress and harm.
In summary, both snap traps and live traps are effective for vole removal. The choice between the two depends on your preferences and ethical considerations.
When you spot a vole on your property, it’s essential to take prompt action to prevent further infestation and minimize damage to your garden or lawn. Here are steps to consider:
By taking these steps, you can effectively manage vole populations on your property and protect your garden and lawn from damage.
Vole excrement, often called vole droppings or scat, is small and pellet-shaped, similar in appearance to mouse droppings. These droppings are typically dark brown or black and have a length of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch. They can be found along vole runways, near their burrow entrances, or in areas where voles are actively foraging for food.
Vole excrement is an indicator of their presence and activity, and it can be helpful in identifying areas where voles are active. However, it’s essential to exercise caution when handling vole droppings, as they may carry diseases or parasites. If you encounter vole excrement, it’s advisable to wear gloves and take appropriate precautions when cleaning and disposing of it.
Identifying vole nests can be challenging since these rodents construct their nests underground, hidden from view. Vole nests are typically located in shallow burrows that are often concealed beneath grass, plants, or groundcover. The nests themselves are made of grass, leaves, and other plant materials.
To locate vole nests, look for signs of vole activity, such as the presence of runways and tunnels on the surface. If you gently probe the ground, you may discover entrances to vole burrows and potentially find a nest inside. It’s essential to handle these areas with care to avoid collapsing the burrows.
Vole nests are small and are designed for the rodents to rest and raise their young. While nest identification may be challenging, focusing on the elimination of surface runways and burrows is often more practical in vole control efforts.
Voles typically do not enter wall spaces or indoor areas. They are primarily outdoor rodents, with a preference for gardens, lawns, and fields. Unlike mice and rats, voles are not adapted for indoor living, and their activities are concentrated in underground burrows, grassy runways, and surface tunnels within their natural habitat.
If you suspect a vole infestation, it’s essential to focus on outdoor pest control methods, such as trapping or habitat modification, to address the issue effectively. Voles do not pose the same indoor risks as other rodents and should be managed accordingly.
Castor oil is often used as a natural and eco-friendly method to deter voles. It works by creating an unpleasant environment for these small rodents. When castor oil is applied to the soil, it disrupts the voles’ sense of smell and taste, making the area less appealing. Additionally, castor oil can also affect the earthworms and insects that voles feed on, further discouraging their presence.
To use castor oil for vole pest control, mix it with water and apply it to the affected areas, such as gardens or lawns. The castor oil creates an unpleasant taste and smell in the soil, which encourages voles to seek food sources elsewhere. While castor oil can be effective as a vole repellent, it may need periodic reapplication, especially after heavy rainfall.
If the vole infestation is severe or if the damage they are causing is extensive, it is recommended to seek the help of a pest control professional like us at Birch Fumigators. We have the expertise and experience to identify the specific species of voles present and develop an effective treatment plan. Professional pest control services can offer advanced methods of control such as fumigation, which may not be safe or practical for individuals to perform on their own.
While voles are not known to transmit diseases to humans, they may carry ticks, fleas, or other parasites that can transmit diseases to other animals.
The best time to control voles is during late fall and early winter. During this period, vegetation is beginning to die back, and snow hasn’t yet fallen in many regions, making it easier to spot signs of vole activity and to apply control measures. Voles are active year-round, but in the late fall and early winter, they begin to establish the under-snow tunnels and pathways that they will use all winter. Implementing control measures, such as placing traps or baits, clearing away vegetation near the garden, or installing physical barriers, during this time can prevent a population explosion in the spring. Additionally, controlling voles before the breeding season in the spring can help minimize the damage they cause to plants and trees throughout the year.
